Montepulciano Tour

Morning: Discovering the Historic Center

1. Piazza Grande
   Start your day at Piazza Grande, the central square of Montepulciano. This square is the heart of the town and is surrounded by beautiful Renaissance architecture. Take time to admire the historic buildings such as the Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall), Palazzo Contucci, and Palazzo Tarugi. The Palazzo Comunale resembles Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside if you climb the tower.

2. Duomo di Montepulciano (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta)
   Visit the Duomo di Montepulciano, located right in Piazza Grande. This 16th-century cathedral has a somewhat simple exterior, but inside you’ll find significant artworks, including the large altarpiece by Taddeo di Bartolo. Spend some time appreciating the interior and the rich religious history of the town.

3. Palazzo Comunale Tower
   Climb the tower of the Palazzo Comunale for one of the best panoramic views of Montepulciano and the Tuscan landscape. From the top, you’ll be able to see the rolling hills, vineyards, and distant towns, including Pienza and even, on a clear day, Mount Amiata.

Mid-Morning: Historical and Cultural Exploration

4. Cantine Storiche (Historical Wine Cellars)
   Montepulciano is famous for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and while you may not be visiting restaurants, it’s worth exploring some of the cantine storiche (historic wine cellars) that are often located underneath the palazzos. These underground wine cellars, such as Cantina del Redi or Cantina Contucci, not only showcase local wine production but also provide a fascinating glimpse into the town’s ancient architecture and traditions. You can take a short tour of the cellars to see how wine was historically stored and aged.

5. Sant’Agostino Church
   Next, walk over to the Church of Sant’Agostino, located in Piazza Michelozzo. The church dates back to the 13th century and has a beautiful Renaissance-style facade, designed by Michelozzo, a renowned architect. Inside, you’ll find interesting artworks and a lovely atmosphere for a brief moment of quiet reflection.

Afternoon: Scenic Walks and Monuments

6. Fortezza di Montepulciano
   After exploring the church, make your way to the Fortezza di Montepulciano, an old fortress that has been restored and often hosts cultural events and art exhibitions. Even if there are no exhibitions during your visit, the fortress provides a peaceful spot to explore and offers additional views of the countryside. The walk to the fortress allows you to further appreciate the medieval layout of Montepulciano.

7. Church of San Biagio
   In the afternoon, head just outside the town’s walls to visit the Church of San Biagio, one of the most iconic buildings in Montepulciano. This beautiful Renaissance church was designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder and is set amidst a scenic countryside backdrop. Its symmetrical design and pale stone exterior are striking, and the tranquil setting makes it a must-see. Inside, you can appreciate the elegant and harmonious architecture that makes this one of Tuscany’s architectural gems.

Late Afternoon: Stroll and Relax

8. Via di Voltaia Nel Corso
   After visiting San Biagio, return to the historic center for a leisurely stroll along Via di Voltaia Nel Corso, one of the main streets of Montepulciano. This charming street is lined with artisan shops, galleries, and boutiques where you can admire or purchase local crafts, ceramics, and souvenirs. The street gently slopes through the town, making it a pleasant walk and offering more views of Montepulciano’s rooftops and streets.

9. Piazza San Francesco
   End your day at Piazza San Francesco, which offers one of the best viewpoints in Montepulciano. From here, you can relax and enjoy the sunset over the rolling hills of Tuscany. This square provides a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for reflecting on the beauty of the town and its surroundings.